Attempted traffic stop ends in crash at W.A. Perry Middle School

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - A short police chase ended in a single car crash at W. A. Perry Middle School near Barhamville Road in Columbia Thursday morning.

Columbia Police say officers attempted to carry out a standard traffic stop around 2:30 a.m., but when that vehicle failed to stop there was short chase.

Officials say the chase didn't last long before the car crashed right beside a building on the campus of Perry Middle School. At that point, police say the driver got out of the car and ran on foot.

Police say that there was also a passenger inside the car. That person was transported to the hospital for minor injuries and then released. Police say at this time, the passenger will not be charged but the investigation continues.

In the footage, you'll notice a gaping hole through the windshield and the driver side airbag has deployed.

Officers say the traffic stop was initially due to a tail light being out, but police eventually realized the car was stolen out of Richland County, and the sheriff’s department was contacted.

Both Richland County sheriff’s deputies and Columbia Police reported to the scene.